How to put a lock on a garbage can

A garbage can sits silently on the side of the road awaiting the garbage truck. If all
goes well nothing happens to it and your garbage is properly disposed of. But in
reality, things often don't go as smoothly. Things like wind, overflowing waste,
and pests make a plain garbage can a disaster waiting to happen.
The solution to this waste disposal issue is plain and simple. Just use a lock. A lock
can ensure that your garbage can is up to the task of proper garbage containment.
A lock mechanism increases the utility of a garbage can by many folds.
Why use locks?
There are various reasons you’d want to use a garbage can that has a locking
mechanism. Some of which are stated below.
Keeping the neighborhood litter-free
Garbage cans in general account for 10 percent of the litter that we see on the
streets. A garbage can that doesn't have a locking mechanism that takes the lion’s
share of the blame for this. Without a shut lid a disease-ridden rodent could easily
climb into the can and tear the trash bags to shreds causing trash to spill out easily.
The obvious solution to this being keeping the lid securely shut. A lock mechanism
does this job very reliably and prevents any kinds of pests from entering the
garbage can. It also protects against other causes such as winds and even some
human error. Nobody can knock the can and spill the trash if you use a lock.
Reducing the cost of waste disposal
The litter from an unlocked trashcan can cost a very large amount of money to
clean up. Nowadays trash collectors come along with a broom and other cleaning
supplies to clean any remaining trash. This also adds to the cost of waste disposal.
This issue can be easily resolved with the widespread usage of a trashcan lock.
What kind of lock is right for you?
There are various kinds of lock mechanisms out now on the market. Although they
are all used for the sole purpose of keeping the lid shut they have many
differences. Some light has been shed on them.
All of the locks in the market can be divided into two categories. Various
mechanisms of locks fall under this category.
Built-in
As the name suggests these locks come prebuilt with the garbage can. They are
designed to be an integrated part of the garbage can. If you are looking to buy a
new garbage can then they will do the trick for you. The mechanisms which fall
under this category are stated below.
Lock and key mechanism
This mechanism comes as a permanent attachment. The cans that use this
mechanism are windproof and pest resistant. Some are even good for one-handed
operation.
Gravity release mechanism
This mechanism also comes as a permanent attachment. The cans manufactured
with these require little to no maintenance. They have overflow prevention
features. They are also built to be wind and pest resistant.
Screw-on lid mechanism
The cans that use the screw-on lid are useful as they require no maintenance. They
are very simple but effective as they provide good pest and wind prevention.
Aftermarket
Besides these, there are quite a few after-market ones you might want to consider.
They are the best option for you if you want to give your normal garbage can a
lock mechanism.
Utility straps
These can be used with almost any garbage can. They can be used as a permanent
attachment. They can be installed with relatively low tools and maintenance. They
are perfect for one-handed operation and manual collection. They are wind and
overflow proof. They are also pest resistant.
Weight-driven “Gravity” Mechanisms
Garbage cans with this mechanism can be found in the form of a permanent
attachment. They are really good for one-handed operation and manual collection.
They feature a useful auto system unlock capability. They are adjustable for
convenience. They also have important features such as overflow, pest protection.
Bungee cords
Bungee cords may not be very high tech but they are very useful indeed. They are
universal which means easy usability with all garbage cans. Neither do they require
any tools to operate nor will you have to worry about any maintenance. They still
can provide excellent wind and overflow protection while resisting pests easily.
How to put on a lock?
After selecting the appropriate lock that can fulfill your requirements you can
install it in a few simple steps.
Step-1
Firstly you must take out the liner from the trash can. Mark the position of the hasp
holes by putting the hinge hasp on the lid.
Step-2
Then you need to drill holes at the positions that were marked previously. You
must do this with the utmost precision.
Step-3
Now just position the hinge hasp properly and insert the hex bolts. You need to
attach some washers and stop the nuts while tightening them up.
Step-4
The staple must be positioned on the trash can. Then the position holes need to be
marked. The holes must be drilled out.
Step-5
Just fix the staple on the trash can alongside the washer and stop nuts. With this,
you will have a properly locked trash can.
Many other mechanisms don’t need so many steps to install them. Manufacturers
have made them quite simple.
Conclusion
A trashcan that hasn't been locked and only has a plain lid can be a nuisance for the
entire community. They can not only spread litter and filth but also cause a lot of
money to clean up. The only way to resolve this issue is by installing a lock on it.
But before buying just any lock you must check the requirements of your trashcan.
They are a multitude of locks out there on the market. Check your existing can for
the requirements and see which one you might need. But if you want to get rid of
the old can altogether then buy a new one with a built-in lock.
Meta description
A lock mechanism the best way to stop the extra rubbish and filth being spread by
a garbage can with an open lid. We’ve extensively discussed the various lock
mechanisms and how you can easily put them on.